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Three injured and dozens suffered teargas inhalation during the weekly demonstration
06/03/2009
by Bil’in Popular Committee
The residents of Bil’in gathered today after the Friday prayer in another protest called by the Popular Committee against the Wall and Settlement Building. The protest was joined by international activists and the Israeli Anarchists Against the Wall and Settlements. Protesters carried Palestinian flags and banners condemning the Israeli policies of building the wall and settlements, especially the recent plan to build 75 new housing units. Protesters also condemned the recent house demolitions in Al-Bustan and Ras Khamis in Jerusalem.
The protest called for national unity, resistance to the occupation and also encouraged the international community to be fair and balanced. Protesters demanded to bring Olmert, Livni, Barak and Peres to court for war crimes. Protesters headed towards the Apartheid Wall built on Bil’in’s land. An Israeli army unit was stationed behind the wall and prevented the crowd from going through the gate. The army fired tear gas canisters to disturb the crowd, causing dozens to suffer gas inhalation and three were shot with rubber coated steel bullets, the three are Omar Saleh Ayub, Ibrahem Burnat, and Adeeb Aburahma.
Earlier this week, a group of settlers from East Mitatyahu settlement, which is built on Bil’in’s land, attacked and burned down a house built by the Popular Committee behind the wall three years ago. Settlers also defiled and burned the Holy Quran. Settlers have been increasing their attacks recently in an effort to stop residents of Bil’in from going to the house so that settlers are able to confiscate the land, which was returned to Bil’in by the Israeli Supreme Court just over one year ago. The house was built as a center for social activities and sports and aims to encourage farmers to feel safe going to their land and harvesting their crops.
Yesterday, the Israeli army invaded the village and fired sound grenades, tear gas and rubber bullets at the youth who confronted them. The army set up a checkpoint near the center of the village and stopped traffic for about one hour. The Israeli atrocities have been occurring on an almost daily basis in the past few months. These attacks aim to create fear among residents and stop them from resisting the wall and settlement building.
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